Verbena × hybrida
Bedding verbena is a long-flowering hybrid group developed in the 19th century from South American species. Plants range from mounding to trailing, all with rounded clusters of small, starry flowers. Color runs from white and pink to red, violet, and bicolors, and bloom continues from late spring to fall in full sun. Best results come in well-drained soils with regular deadheading and occasional shearing. It is grown as an annual in most of North America, though it may overwinter in the warmest zones. In hot, humid summers, many seed-grown strains flag, while improved vegetative lines perform better.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: bedding hybrid group (*Glandularia × hybrida*)
- Height × spread: 6-12 in × 12-24 in (15-30 cm × 30-60 cm)
- Bloom window: late spring to fall
- Color & flower form: rounded heads in many colors; 2-3 in (5-7 cm) across
- Fragrance: 1 trace (varies by cultivar)
- USDA hardiness: zones 9-10; otherwise grown as annual
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown / 1873 / horticultural hybrid complex
- Pet safety: unknown / sources differ
How it differs
- Broader color range than species verbenas in the pillar page.
- Often trailing and container-friendly rather than upright.
- Less cold hardy; typically used as seasonal color.
- Modern cultivars selected for mildew and heat performance.
Strengths
- Very long season of color with simple care.
- Excellent for containers, baskets, and edging.
- Many modern lines show improved mildew tolerance.
- Attractive to pollinators.
Care in one minute
- Full sun and well-drained soil or quality potting mix.
- Water consistently but let the top inch of media dry between waterings.
- Feed lightly monthly or use a controlled-release fertilizer.
- Deadhead spent clusters; shear midseason to refresh growth.
- Overwinter only in frost-free zones; otherwise replace each spring.
Watch‑outs
- Seed-grown types can decline in hot, humid summers.
- Powdery mildew and root rot occur in shade or wet soils.
- Flowers slow without deadheading and periodic shearing.
Best uses (tags)
containers, hanging baskets, edging, massing, pollinators
Provenance note
The name *Verbena × hybrida* is now often treated as *Glandularia × hybrida*. The hybrid epithet was first published in 1873.
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden – Verbena × hybrida (Garden Verbena)
- Royal Horticultural Society – Glandularia × hybrida
- Kew Plants of the World Online – Verbena × hybrida (syn. of Glandularia × hybrida)
- Clemson Extension HGIC – Verbena overview
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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